The Commonwealth Political Adviser-Governance and Peace Directorate Clara Cole on Tuesday 16^th October, 2018 presented the Monitoring Report on the Sierra Leone 2018 General and Presidential Elections to Dr. Alie Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at Tower Hill in Freetown. She reported that the Monitoring Team is in the country to follow up on post-election governance and peace consolidation, adding that they are in the country to help the Government in the area of democracy. The Political Adviser further reported that the Team will be organizing two days’ workshop with Civil Society Organisations, National Electoral Commission (NEC) on the Report.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Alie Kabba has called for solidarity at the multilateral stage to build the capacity of member countries based on their needs and national priorities. Dr. Kabba made this plea during his closing addressed at the Second Annual Showcase of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Just and Inclusive Societies on the 10th October, 2018 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown. He stated that through cooperative and coordinated partnerships, the 16+Forum would be able to consolidate capacities to respond to tensions and threats of potential conflicts.

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The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Alpha Osman Timbo has underscored the linkages among peace, security and development. He called on the audience to bear in mind that peace is a necessary condition for development, therefore it is impossible to achieve development without peace. He stated that peace and development can be attained only when poverty is addressed entirely, describing poverty as a cause and consequence of instability and conflict. The Minister made the statement at the Official Welcome Reception of the Sierra Leone Annual Showcase of the Sixteen plus Forum organized by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) at Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown on Monday 8^th October, 2018.

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A three-day induction for over 35 newly appointed High Commissioners, Ambassadors and Financial Attachés has ended (Saturday, 25 August, 2018) with a certification ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Conference Hall, Tower Hill, Freetown.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has said, that the New Direction flagship on education coincides with one of Peace Corps Sectors of operation – Education and that the Peace Corp volunteers serve as a platform to help enhance the President’s initiative on free Basic Education in the country.

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As part of Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa and to work with the continent to help address the challenges it faces, the Canadian Minister of International Development, Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau accompanied by the High Commissioner of Canada resident in Ghana, Ms. Heather Anne Cameron has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

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).  The Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Ozone Secretariat of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), Dr. Gilbert M. Bankobeza accompanied by staff of the Environment Protection Agency-Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office, Freetown.

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In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has on Friday 3 August, 2018, concluded a day seminar on the theme, “Strengthening and protecting Human Rights in Africa” at the Ministry’s conference hall, Tower Hill, Freetown.

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His Excellency Fodé Camara, Republic of Guinea accredited to Sierra Leone and resident in Freetown, has taken formal leave of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, at the Ministry’s office, Tower Hill, Freetown. In his farewell statement to the Minister and Senior Management staff of the Ministry, His Excellency Fodé Camara behalf of the Government of the Republic of Guinea conveyed sincere gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception given to the Guinean community and organisations or institutions operating in the country. The outgoing Ambassador underscored that, he has always remained focused and committed in the cause of maintaining, strengthening and broadening the bilateral cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Guinea and the Republic of Sierra Leone through the implementation of a variety of programmes and projects. Other important bilateral issue raised and discussed by the Ambassador bordered around the enhancement of the Mano River Union cooperation. Dr. Alie Kabbah on behalf of Government and the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, thanked the outgoing Ambassador for enduring his mission in Sierra Leone. He described the bilateral relations between Guinea and Sierra Leone as very cordial underscoring the significance of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. ‘Thanks for your service and you will be missed’, Dr. Alie Kabba, concluded. Present were: the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large, Amb. Paul A.S. Minah; Directors of various Divisions and Heads of Sections of the Ministry.

Ahead of the meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) on 30 July 2018 in Lomé, Togo; Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba will join other Ministers of Foreign Affairs and those in charge of Defence or Security to consider and adopt the draft Declaration and the draft joint final communiqué to be issued at the end of the joint summit of leaders of the two Regional Economic Communities.

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The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang has said that the past four years in Egypt have been very challenging for the government amidst high hope and expectations from the people, but she is confident that Egypt will soon overcome these current challenges, given the tenacity and determination of its leadership.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) presented a plaque in appreciation to the US Embassy and USAID for their dedicated and substantial material support to SLAJ during and after the 2018 General Elections.

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The Iranian Charge D’ Affairs Mr. Mahmoud Hassan Alizadeh has paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang, at her Tower Hill Office in Freetown.

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The Ambassador of Ireland resident in Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Catherine Campbell has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has today in a ceremony held at the ministry’s conference hall, Tower Hill, Freetown, presented degree certificates in medicine to thirteen Sierra Leoneans who completed their studies at the Bolivarian Medical University in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

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A team from the Human Rights and Compliance Division from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation led by the Director of Human Rights and Compliance, Patrick Hassan Morlai Koroma has paid a courtesy call on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Priscilla Schwartz at her Guma Building office in Freetown.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Alie Kabba has called on the U.S. Government to continue supporting Sierra Leone, particularly President Julius Maada Bio’s ‘New Direction’ agenda in restoring hope and opportunity in transforming the lives of the people of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba will serve as Chairperson for the meetings on the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures in the International system and also Chair the Peace and Security Council meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers ahead of the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

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The Chairman of the National Commission for Democracy in Sierra Leone (NCD-SL), Dr. Abubakarr Kargbo and some senior management staff of the commission have paid a working visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

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The Chargé d’affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone, Mr. Mahmoud Hassan Alizadeh, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

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A Non-profit organisation based in Washington DC, Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) will convene a global Biosecurity Dialogue for government officials, experts, representatives from international organizations, and industry leaders in London from the 18-20 June, 2018.

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In a bid to broaden and bolster economic and technical cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has signed two assistance and development objective grant agreements to the tune of 44.420M USD between the United States of America acting through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Republic of Sierra Leone at a signing ceremony held at the Directors conference room in the Ministry, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The agreements which were signed by USAID Mission Director for Guinea and Sierra Leone, Barbara Dickerson, for and on behalf of the US Government, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and witnessed by the USAID Country Coordinator, Khadijat Mojidi, stipulates that the U.S Government through USAID agrees to continue to provide to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone a top up funding with incremental money for this year’s grant assistance in the amount of 8,893,448 to improve the Agricultural and Food security situation of the Sierra Leonean population, and 35, 527,314 US dollars to advance democratic governance and economic growth.

In her brief remarks before the signing of the agreement, the USAID Country Coordinator, Khadijat Mojidi, gave a brief historical background on U.S assistance to Sierra Leone since 1961 in enhancing political stability, achieve food security and strengthen democratic governance through targeted assistance to key sectors such as education, health and agriculture. She also highlighted some of the assistance provided during the civil war and the Ebola outbreak, including humanitarian and emergency assistance, reintegration and reconciliation, Ebola emergency response and investing in the country’s post Ebola recovery.

The USAID Country Coordinator further highlighted some of USAID’s achievements thus far in its programmes on good governance, gender equality and empowerment, feed the future agriculture project, health and to foster economic growth through public-private partnerships on its path towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

Dr. Alie Kabba on behalf of the people and Government of Sierra Leone lauded the efforts of the US Government through USAID and their implementing partners for the projects and activities that have been implemented in the country. The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of one of the projects implemented by USAID in eleven chiefdoms in the Tonkolili district where it has improved the nutritional status, strategic value chain and income of the people.  

The New Direction agenda of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister said, is focused on delivery where every member of the society should benefit. “I would like to see the full implementation of all USAID projects in the country, creating a positive impact in the communities and the lives of the people”, Dr. Kabba added. The Minister assured that his Ministry will continue engagement with USAID and implementing partners to show the level of accountability, transparency and commitment in achieving the objective set forth in the Grant Agreement signed between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the US Government acting through USAID.

”I look forward to working with your esteemed institution in meeting a desired goal in the New Direction”, he Concluded

Present at the ceremony were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Deputy Director General for Policy, Dr. Michael Kargbo; Directors of various Divisions in the Ministry; and Representatives from USAID; the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs and the National Commission for Democracy.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has said that the revitalization of the MRU is the dream of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio in his quest to achieve Sierra Leone’s New Direction agenda by strengthening regional integration and cohesion.

Dr. Alie Kabba whilst welcoming the Secretary General of the MRU, Ambassador Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) to his Tower Hill office in Freetown, stated that under the current national blue print agenda-New Direction, it is the desire of President Julius Maada Bio to revive the MRU’s growth, socio-economic development and integration of the sub-region within the frame work of institutional revitalization and restructuring, peace and security, economic development and regional integration and social development.

The revitalization of the MRU, Dr. Kabba maintained, will promote food security, trade and industrial management, energy and power, transport infrastructure, and social development especially for health and education infrastructure and systems of the member states. The Foreign Minister underscored the significance of building up networks and partnerships that could be strengthened and expanded over time through joint collaboration between and among member states. ‘We need to make our citizens (of member states) productive citizens through the formulation and implementation of skills development projects and programmes that can build their skills for employment and self-employment’ Dr. Kabba concluded.

The MRU Secretary General, Ambassador Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what she described as regional concern by way of visiting MRU member states before and after his inauguration as Head of State of the Republic of Sierra Leone. This shows his commitment to the objects of the MRU, She added.

Amb. Medina A. Wesseh (Esq) stated that the collaboration between member states and the formulation and the adoption of a common strategy for sustained peace, security and stability is considered the best way forward for the MRU. She further stated that MRU member countries need to fully tap the potential of the water resources for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. The private sector, she said has to take the lead to enhance sustainable growth and development. The MRU Secretary General further stated that there is absolute need for the government to come up with laws, policies, regulations and incentives to attract investment and to secure resources for the development of the sector.

Some of the issues discussed during the meeting focused on exploring approaches and strategies for developing mineral resource corridors using common infrastructure, power sources and management that can create opportunities for balanced growth and development, centers of excellence, MRU Railway transport system among other issues.

It could be recalled that the MRU is an intergovernmental institution comprising of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire. As a regional integration organisation, MRU was created on October 3, 1973 by the Malema Declaration.

Present were: the Director General, Mr. Paul A.S. Minah; the Acting Director for Africa, Mrs. Juliana Fallah; and officers of the Africa division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has said, that the establishment of Human Rights and Peace clubs across Africa is an initiative of the African Union and therefore, Sierra Leone’s membership of the AU is providing benefit to its citizens.

Dr. Alie Kabba in his welcome statement during the launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs in Secondary Schools at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Freetown stated that his Ministry is the gateway through which Sierra Leone engages with other nations and international organisations noting that this mandate has made it possible for Sierra Leone to acquire member of international organisations like the AU.

Dr. Kabba assured his audience that as a responsible government, they owe it to the citizens that never again will the nation witness human rights abuses like those they experienced during the civil war. ‘There is no better group of people to sow and cultivate a culture rooted in respect for the rights of fellow citizens and respect for the rule of law, than school children’, he added.

The New Direction, Dr. Kabba maintained will apply the ‘Child First approach’ which aims at ensuring the survival, protection and development of children including disabled and vulnerable children through the implementation of policy actions and programmes to address sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, child labour and juvenile justice among other issues.

‘With the launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs in Secondary Schools today, this government is taking concrete steps to endorse a national programme to actualize part of His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio’s manifesto commitment to the people of Sierra Leone’, Dr. Alie Kabba concluded.

The Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Madam Emily Kadiatu George in her keynote address before the launch of the programme stated that the New Direction focuses especially on educational growth of youths and their peaceful co-existence noting that the more students are exposed to activities that promote positive images of other people’s culture, religion, uniqueness, social identity, the more likely they find faults with one another and the more they are able to live and work together for the common good of society.

The Deputy Minister of Basic Education implored all individuals, community leaders, teachers, NGOs, etc. to join the Human Rights Commission in Sierra Leone to extensively and effectively run peace clubs in secondary schools. “To the Principals, staff and administrators of schools where these clubs are established, I implore you to maximize use of the opportunity to enhance the work of the commission”, she concluded.

The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Haji- Kella; the Chairman, Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone, Rev. Dr. Osman J. Fornah and a representative of the Head of Conference of Principals also made meaningful contributions to the launching ceremony.

The launching of the Human Rights and Peace Clubs and Guidelines and presentations formed part of the highlights of the launching ceremony.

Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director of Human Rights and Compliance, Mr. Patrick M. Koroma;  and the Director for Policy Planning, Research and Knowledge Management, Mr. Marlon Bockarie-Conteh in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials of the various MDAs.

The Minister of foreign affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has told participants that, ‘in line with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which aims at addressing the root causes of our conflict, under the ‘New Direction’, which is the blueprint document for moving our country forward, efforts are on the way to overhaul the judiciary and justice delivery system in the country with a view to restoring public confidence in its independence and impartiality and make justice accessible and available for all’.

The one day workshop which is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies is part of the efforts geared towards bringing together relevant stakeholders including Government Ministries and Agencies working on the Sustainable Development Goal 16(SDG 16) of the Agenda 2030, Agenda for Sustainable Development. This workshop also aims at sharing perspectives and to compliment the work of the Pathfinders in helping Sierra Leone actualize SDG16 and its related targets.

Dr. Alie Kabba in his opening remarks maintained, that Sierra Leone has over the years made considerable efforts in consolidating its capacity for preventing and resolving conflicts noting that since the end of the civil war, the country has conducted four democratic elections which were widely acclaimed to be violence free, fair, transparent and credible. This, he said, underscores the country’s commitment for the promotion of the rule of law and good governance and preservation of the hard won peace and stability.

The Foreign Minister stated that the New Direction seeks to consolidate political and economic governance, including improvement in social indicators as well as the protection of the basic rights of the people of Sierra Leone. “We are keen in delivering results on the several priority areas including free education for all primary and secondary pupils, empowerment of youth, women and the disabled, job creation, building and promoting national cohesion, improving accountability and combating corruption and ensuring effective and effective public service delivery”, Dr. Alie Kabba concluded.

Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah (Esq) in his brief remarks stated that as a new government, they have prioritised justice sector reform as critical to good governance and the rule of law. The Deputy Minister of Justice re-emphasized His Excellency, the President’s call for the need for a modern justice system fit for the 21^st century – a system that meets the democratic aspirations of the people and the country. “We need to build the type of justice system that promotes equal access for everyone and limits unnecessary political interference’, Mr. Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah (Esq) concluded.

In his welcome statement, the Director General of MFAIC, Mr. Paul A.S. Minah disclosed that the outcome of the workshop will inform Sierra Leone’s participation at the Ministerial Conference on ‘Empowering People And Ensuring Inclusiveness And Equality And Also The Meeting Of Heads Of State And Government To Mobilise Further Actions To Accelerate Implementation Of All 17 SDGS’, scheduled to be held in July and September this year, respectively.

Presentations on the Pathfinder initiative and interactive discussion on the implementation of SDG16 in Sierra Leone formed part of the one-day workshop.

Present were: the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang; the Director General, Paul A.S. Minah; the Deputy Director for policy, Dr. Michael Kargbo; and Directors of the various divisions of the Ministry.

The Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wu Peng and officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, today paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nimatulai Bah-Chang at her Tower Hill office in Freetown.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba has informed delegates that the challenges associated with migration remains worrisome especially for the youths, women and their children who often encounter tremendous hazards in their bid to move across borders mostly in search of jobs and in pursuit of their dreams to lead better lives away from home.
The Minister made this statement at a one-day ‘National Consultation on the Global Compact on Migration – Voice of Sierra Leone’ which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the European Union on Wednesday 23 May, 2018 at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Tower Hill, Freetown.
In his keynote address, Dr. Alie Kabba assured the delegates that Government is committed to creating conducive political, economic, social and environmental conditions for Sierra Leoneans to deter desperation compelling them to seek livelihood elsewhere.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, acknowledged the efforts made at international level to build partnerships involving countries of origin, transit and destination. The compact he said, should continue to underpin collective commitment to strengthen cooperation on international migration, which has been part of human experience throughout history. ‘Our Government endorses the need for a comprehensive approach to optimize the benefits of migration as well as addressing the risk associated with the phenomenon’, he added.
Dr. Kabba applauded the EU and other organizations for their support in promoting migration management and appealed that Sierra Leone be considered for the EU trust fund. He requested for more support from partners to complement the effort of IOM.
The Head of Mission-IOM, Sanusi Savage highlighted his organization’s assistance to repatriate with dignity some 300 stranded migrants including men, women and children from Libya within a space of two months.
Mr. Savage recognized the support of the United Nations Country Team, WFP and UNFPA in providing the needed assistance to migrants in the form of rice and dignity kits. He lauded the Foreign Ministry for providing the platform and assured the Minister of IOM’s commitment to continue supporting the Government in its efforts to deliver the fruits of democracy to its people.
‘This National Consultative meeting is not to reflect on what has transpired in the recent past but to forge a national consensus through the proffering of a national solution to an issue of importance to mankind using Government/society approach’, he concluded.
The Head of Delegation, European Union, Ambassador Tom Vens maintained that the EU has been an active partner in addressing the multiple refugee and migrant crisis noting that in 2016, EU Member States granted asylum to over 720, 000 persons and 382, 000 in 2017.
Ambassador Vens disclosed that in the context of their partnership with Africa and with the help of IOM, the EU is funding five transit centers where migrants receive assistance, medical care and psychological support. The crucial point for global compact on migrants, he stated, is to strike a balance in addressing regular and irregular migration. ‘The EU’s approach is shaped by a vision grounded on human rights, responsibility and solidarity’, he added.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Sunil Saigal in his remarks noted that the Global Compact on Migration is expected to be the first inter-governmentally negotiated agreement, prepared under the auspices of the United Nations to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. He stated that in adopting 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development the UN recognized the positive contribution made by migrants for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The UN Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recalled the core international human rights treaties.
The welcome statement was earlier delivered by the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Paul Minah.
Presentations and panel discussions on the various topics on migration and the process towards its adoption; protection of labour rights and safe environment for migrant workers; among other issues formed part of the consultative meeting.
The meeting is as a result of international efforts to put formidable mechanisms related to the management of migration and to help Sierra Leone’s priorities on the issue and meaningfully contribute to the Global Compact Conference slated for December this year in Morocco. The Global Compact was born out of the desire to improve the governance on migration and address its attendant challenges vis-à-vis its contribution to sustainable development.
At the end of the conference, delegates were able to design a framework to address migration in the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) in collaboration with the International Office for Migration (IOM) will organise a national consultation meeting to discuss and present a national consensus on current and topical issues of migration relevant to Sierra Leone.

The meeting which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 23 May, 2018 at the MFAIC Conference hall will serve as a prep for the planned international conference on Global Compact on Migration proposed in December 2018, in Morocco.

It could be recalled that, the process to develop the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (“Global Compact”) started in April 2017 following the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants that was adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2016. The process set motion a period for multi-stakeholder dialogue as a prelude to the hosting of the Intergovernmental Conference on migration.

According to the Deputy Director General for Policy, Dr. Michael Kargbo, the upcoming meeting is planned in such a way that it will factor in the opinion of all relevant stakeholders in Sierra Leone including direct actors concerned with migration.

Key among the issues to be discoursed at the conference include; migration trends in Sierra Leone, combatting trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling in Sierra Leone; drivers of irregular migration and promoting safe migration and panel discussions on protection of labour rights and a safe environment for migrant workers and introduction to the migration governance framework and the sustainable development among other issues.

The Hungarian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Andras Szabo has today paid a courtesy visit on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown.

Ambassador Andras Szabo started by congratulating President Bio on his inauguration. He said that the government of Hungary is committed to supporting the new direction of President Bio adding that they have gone through the priority areas of His Excellency and are very pleased to support his new administration in areas of agriculture, education, and tourism.

On the area of education, the Hungarian Ambassador said that they are willing to provide ten scholarships per annum to Sierra Leoneans wishing to study in Hungary and promised that the number will increase in the future. He also stated that they will assist the government of Sierra Leone in setting up vocational centers so as to help capacitate youth and increase empowerment. In line with the vision of President Bio, the Hungarian Ambassador also pledged his government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.

In his response, President Bio thanked the Hungarian Ambassador for the visit. He said that his government is willing to deepen the bilateral ties in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. He said his government has mapped out key priority areas for investment ranging from education, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

On the area of agriculture, President Bio stated that his government is very much determined to improve the agricultural sector so as to increase food productivity. He added that the country is spending a lot on importing food items which he said is not helping. President Bio also mentioned that he intends to transform agriculture into a profitable industry capable of providing jobs for youth as well as increasing on the country’s foreign exchange. He, therefore, called on the Hungarian government to support his Programmes.

A delegation of senior officials from ECOWAS Electricity Power Pool project led by the ECOWAS Commissioner, Energy and Mines, Dr. Morlaye Bangoura today paid a courtesy call on the Director General and Ambassador-At Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Khadijatu Basirr at her Tower Hill office, Freetown.

The purpose of their visit, Dr. Morlaye Bangoura disclosed, is to reaffirm ECOWAS Commission’s commitment in promoting and developing infrastructure for power generation and transmission, as well as, to assure the coordination of electric power exchanges between ECOWAS Member States. Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry Dr. Bangoura said, is playing a pivotal role in actualising this sub-regional objective, underscoring that access to energy is crucial to enable economic opportunities and ensure access to basic services. This he maintained, is in line with ECOWAS Vision 2020 that is aimed at setting a clear direction and goal to significantly raise the standard of living of the people through conscious and inclusive programmes that will guarantee a bright future for West Africa and -shape the destiny of the region for many years to come.

The ECOWAS Commissioner, Energy and Mines lamented that the delay in the implementation of the sub-regional power Interconnector was due to several challenges including the Ebola scourge in the sub-region.

The ECOWAS Secretary General ECOWAS Power Pool, gave a brief overview on the current status on the implementation of the sub-regional power Interconnector project and highlighted key areas that have been implemented thus far with funds provided for emergency energy supply in the country.

Welcoming the ECOWAS Electricity Power Pool delegation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Director General and Ambassador-At Large, Ambassador Khadijatu Basirr, expressed profound thanks and appreciation for the ECOWAS humanitarian, financial and social assistance in the aftermath of the devastating mudslide on August 14, 2017 and the personal visits by various Heads of State including the ECOWAS Chairman, His Excellency Faure Gnessingbe Eyadema and the President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Marcel A. De Souza.

The Director General and Ambassador-At-Large of the Foreign Ministry underscored the significance of the Electricity Power Pool Project in the actualization of the ECOWAS Vision 2020; in enhancing a borderless community of people through economic, political, social, cultural integration and prosperity. She further reiterated the pivotal role of the ECOWAS electricity project to the economic development of Sierra Leone which is in line with the government’s Agenda for Prosperity.

Amb. Khadijatu Basirr appealed to the ECOWAS power pool delegation for the speedy conclusion of the final phase of the construction of the Lungi Logistics Depot and the deployment of staff to commence operations. ‘Let me also extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for the unanimous election of Sierra Leone to  the position of Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission for a term of four years during the 17^th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers held in Lome Togo in 2017’, she concluded.

The Director of Energy in Sierra Leone, Engineer Benjamin Kamara also made meaningful inputs with regards the updates on the present status of the ECOWAS power pool.

The Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, His Excellency CHEN Xiaodong accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Wu Peng and top officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, today paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Kaifala Marah at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

Welcoming the Chinese Foreign envoy and entourage to the Ministry, Dr. Kaifala Marah underscored the significance of the visit of the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister to the Republic of Sierra Leone, which is aimed at broadening and deepening the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. Dr. Marah lauded the contributions of the Chinese government in enhancing the socio-economic development of the country, particularly, following the official visit of His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma to China in 2016. He further dilated on the long standing bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone spanning a period of 47 years. Dr. Kaifala Marah expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chinese government for their support and assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone during the Ebola scourge in 2014-2015 and the mudslide and flood disaster that struck Freetown on August 14, 2017.

The Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, His Excellency CHEN Xiaodong on behalf of the government and people of China extended sincere fraternal greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Sierra Leone, while congratulating Dr. Kaifala Marah for his recent appointment as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. ‘‘I am here to further broaden and deepen the existing bilateral relations and to affirm our commitment to agreements reached between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone’’,  His Excellency CHEN Xiaodong concluded.

The two Foreign Ministers discussed several issues aimed at enhancing the existing bilateral relations and furthering cooperation on multilateral issues including the reforms of the UN Security Council and FOCAC, with the Republic of Sierra Leone. They further emphasised the need to cooperate on issues of common interest, particularly on economic development. They underscored the significance of broadening their engagements and scaling up cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Infrastructure and education.

With a view to enhancing and deepening the existing partnerships and bilateral relations between their respective countries and the government and people of Sierra Leone, eight foreign envoys including the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Amb. Guy Warrington; the Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia, Ambassador Femi Peters; the Honourary Consul of the Republic of Serbia and Dean of the Consular Corps, Dr. Adonis Aboud; the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada; the Ambassador of Republic of Liberia, Amb. Musu Jatu Ruhle; the Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon, Amb. Brigitta Al Ojeil; the Honourary Consul of the Republic of Malaysia, Khalil Lakiss; the Honourary Consul of the Republic of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and the Charge D’ Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nadali Heydari, have paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Kaifala Marah at his Tower Hill office in Freetown.

The foreign envoys, during their separate meetings with Dr. Kaifala Marah, discussed several issues aimed at enhancing the existing bilateral relations and furthering cooperation on multilateral issues with the Republic of Sierra Leone. They further emphasised the need to cooperate on issues of common interest, particularly on the current spate of migration affecting developing nations such as Sierra Leone, and economic development. They underscored the significance of broadening their engagements and scaling up cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, education and Good Governance. The current electoral climate and cycle in the country was also discussed within the context of bilateral relations, underlining the common interests in developing political, cultural and economic relations as well as the interpersonal relations between the eight countries and Sierra Leone.

The foreign envoys further underscored their governments’ commitment to continue to provide assistance and support to Sierra Leone. They concluded by extending fraternal salutations and congratulatory messages from the government and people of their respective countries to the government and people of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Kaifala Marah welcomed the foreign envoys to the Ministry and assured them of the full support and cooperation of the Ministry both at bilateral and multilateral levels. The Minster also assured the foreign envoys of government’s commitment in ensuring a free, fair and credible election on March 7, this year. He lauded the support of the various countries that have in diverse ways made financial and material contributions since the commencement of the electoral cycle.

Present at the meeting were: the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large, the Deputy Director General for policy and operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Deputy Director of Protocol of the Ministry.

The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Kailfala Marah has today officially met with senior management staff of the Ministry in the Directors’ Conference Room, Tower Hill, Freetown.

In her welcome address, the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Khadijatu Basirr on behalf of the Ministry, congratulated the Minister for his appointment and extended a warm welcome to him on behalf of colleagues in the Ministry.

The Director General and Ambassador-at-Large expressed delight over Dr. Marah’s new assignment to the Ministry which she described as a crucial moment in the Ministry’s transformation process. Amb. Khadijatu Basirr underscored that staff of the Ministry hope to benefit immensely from the expertise and wealth of experience of the newly appointed Minister to enhance and project the new foreign relations outlook – Economic and Public Diplomacy. The new outlook she further explained represents the scaling up of the Ministry’s engagement with its partners. She emphasised that trade and investment, and image cultivation which are part of this new foreign outlook, are in line with the national development blueprint: The Agenda for Prosperity. The Director General and Ambassador-at-Large highlighted some of the major challenges in ensuring the successful execution of the Ministry’s new mandate, which include the required financial resources to implement planned programmes. She noted that with concerted efforts and unwavering political will, the Ministry succeeded in creating the much needed impact and difference in its foreign engagements. Ambassador Khadijatu Basirr assured the Minister of the Management Staff’s utmost cooperation and support to ensure a successful tenure of office. The Director General and Ambassador-at-Large presented a copy of the first ever Sierra Leone Foreign Service Transformation Strategy (SLFSTS) 2014-2018 to Dr. Kaifala Marah.

The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Kailfala Marah expressed thanks and appreciation to the Management and staff of the Ministry for the warm reception accorded him. Dr. Marah further thanked His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for the confidence bestowed on him to the stir the ship of the Foreign Ministry, noting that this is another experience added to his career. His role in the Ministry he said, is to coordinate and/or facilitate the process of attaining the objects of the SLFSTS (2014-2018). He therefore called on staff of the Ministry to work towards the accomplishment of key deliverables in the transformation strategy through collaboration, effective communication and coordination considering the implementation timeframe. Dr. Marah lauded the effort of the outgoing Minister, Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara for laying the solid foundation for the implementation of the transformation strategy and therefore called on the various Divisional Directors to evaluate the current strategy with a view to mapping the way forward for the roll-out of a successor five year strategy.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Director of the Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTEC) Division, Mr. Obai Taylor-Kamara.

Present were: the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large; Deputy Directors General for Operations and Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Assistant Director General for Policy and Technical Cooperation,  Directors of various Divisions and Heads of Sections of the Ministry.

The Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to Sierra Leone with residence in Monrovia, Liberia, His Excellency Archbishop Miroslaw Adamczyk, accompanied by the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Sierra Leone, has taken formal leave of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara at the Ministry’s Tower Hill Office, Freetown.

His Excellency Archbishop Miroslaw Adamczyk on behalf of the Holy Sea (Pope), extended sincere condolences and solidarity to the Government and people of Sierra Leone following the Ebola scourge, the recent floods and mudslide disaster in the country. The Apostolic Nuncio expressed gratitude for the bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and the Vatican. ‘My principal function was to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Holy Sea; and to foster close relations with the conference of Bishops by offering assistance in various ways’, His Excellency Archbishop Miroslaw Adamczyk added.

The Apostolic Nuncio outlined some of the tremendous contributions of the Catholic Church in Sierra Leone, particularly in the areas of education, health and other social services, which are clear testimonies of the invaluable service of the Catholic Church in the country. He prayed for lasting peace and a peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Samura M.W. Kamara expressed profound thanks and appreciation for the numerous contributions of the Catholic Community toward national cohesion and social development, including the consoling messages during trying moments in the country. ‘The spirit of the local community being together is our hope’, he added. Dr. Samura Kamara extended felicitations to His Holiness, Pope Francis, and assured the Catholic Nuncio of his Ministry’s support to the Catholic Church in Sierra Leone.

It could be recalled that HE Archbishop Miroslaw Adamczyk was appointed on the 21^st September 2013 as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Sierra Leone (with residence in Monrovia); and successfully presented his letters of credence to His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma on the 13^th February 2014.

Present at the ceremony were: the Archbishop of Freetown, Rev. Dr. Edward Tamba Charles; the Auxiliary Bishop of Kenema, Rev. Henry Aruna; the Apostolic Administrator of Makeni, Bishop Natale Paganelli, the Secretary of the Nunciature, Fr. Giovanni Bicchierri; Secretary to the Archbishop, Rev. Fr. Joseph D. Miller; the Acting Director General, Dr. Michael S. Kargbo and Directors of various Divisions and Heads of Sections of the Ministry.